Jackson still committed to Grambling visit

Grambling State University officials are working with the Rev. Jesse Jackson about a future visit to Grambling’s campus.

Grambling spokesman Will Sutton said Jackson remains committed to his promise to visit the campus.

“We have worked up some date options, and we're waiting for Jackson to confirm one or another. He hasn't forgotten us and his commitment, and that's a great thing,” Sutton said.

Grambling President Frank Pogue invited Jackson to visit campus as a part of a period of healing and moving forward beyond the football controversy that sparked when players boycotted practice and one game during the last football season.

The GSU football team boycotted practices and training sessions and forfeited a football game at Jackson State University in Mississippi to bring attention to a number of concerns, most of which are connected to the university's declining state support. Over a few years, the university's state funding has been reduced by 56.3 percent.

"I want to do whatever I can to help Grambling," said Jackson during an interview with Pogue on Jackson’s radio broadcast. "It's important that people everywhere know that what this proud institution faces is much bigger than football and much bigger than any one person because it is indicative of what's happening at our HBCUs everywhere."

Pogue said he and Jackson started working on a "Grambling State University Day" before the controversy erupted.

Jackson and Pogue agreed to discuss a national campaign to help GSU and other historically black colleges and universities.